An extraordinary journey from South Sudan to the stage.

“In this country, you think it’s your right to have three meals a day. Me, where I came from? I think it’s a miracle.”

From South Sudan to Egypt to Australia, this is the extraordinary journey of Mandela Mathia. Fleeing his war-torn home as a child, Mandela spent many years journeying, searching, and eventually finding his way to our stage. This is a joyful, poignant solo show, straight from the man who lived it.

A celebration of the South Sudanese community, of resilience, and the power of imagination, Lose To Win is an astonishing modern Australian story.”

★★★★ Sydney Arts Guide – “It’s that big smile again. He can say something difficult with a grin and we smile back.”

Sydney Morning Herald – “Not a soul is born without a backstory, but few are as gripping as Mandela Mathia’s.”

Theatre Reds – “Mandela Mathia has an extraordinary stage presence – warm and generous spirited.”

Cast

Mandela Mathia – Performer

Yacou Mbaye – Musician

Creative Team

Writer Mandela Mathia

Director Jessica Arthur

Set & Costume Designer Keerthi Subramanyam

Sound Designer & Composer Brendan Boney

Lighting Designer Kate Baldwin

Dramaturgical Assistant Ayah Tayeh

Production Dramaturg Carissa Licciardello

Vocal Coach Laura Farrell

Image Photography by Daniel Boud